X5 3.0i auto 6 speed

[CBlack1105]

Anyone notice that the BMW UK is now doing the 3.0 X5 auto with a 6 speed whereas BMW NA 2006 model year shows the X5 still shipping with a 5 speed auto. Why are BMW using different auto boxes in these two cars? Or is this a typo by BMW UK? Will the 6 speed make a lot of difference in the 3.0 and if so, how - quieter, more fuel efficient, better acceleration??

[statdoc]

My 2005 X5 4.4i has a 6 speed auto, even though you still see some things written that say it has a 5 speed, like prior years.

[CBlack1105]

Yeah, I guess there is always going to be a crossover period - maybe I will find it has the 6 speed after all when it arrives - but my guess is that this is a mod that will apply for cars built from September onwards.

[Bavarian]

Keeping the same 225-hp I6, the 6-speed Steptronic will probably bring a 0.2 second drop in 0-60 and probably a 10-15% increase in MPG.

Win-win situation...but I think BMW will wait on this. They will probably release the new-gen X5 with the new R6 255-hp I6, and pair that with the 6-speed auto. It will be a great marketting campaign to boast a new engine AND a new tranny, don't you think?